Hispanic Heritage Month Programming Guide

Texas and the entire nation were formed and continue to be enriched and influenced by generations of Hispanic Americans. During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), the Texas Cable Association, its cable company members and programmers celebrate the accomplishments and contributions by these individuals.

The month starts on Sept. 15 because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Following is some of the programming that commemorates the month by spotlighting how Hispanic and Latino populations have shaped our great state and country.

All time are Central Standard Time.Please note, programs and times are subject to change; be sure to check your local listings. Please feel free to share programming guide information.

Héroes Cotidianos – In its deeply moving six-episode first season, ordinary people are featured doing extraordinary things – everyday heroes whose actions have a profound impact on those around them. Series premieres Sept. 16, 9 p.m.

The Poet of Havana – Join internationally renowned Cuban singer-songwriter Carlos Varela as he celebrates his 30th anniversary as an artist in this moving film filled with his beautiful songs and stunning performances and shot in his native Havana. Oct. 23, 7 p.m.

The Wild West: Alamo Tech – This one-hour program focuses on the role of technology and military strategy in this now-famous battle. From the use of telescopes, cannons, and weapons to the music, uniforms and psychological tactics employed in the conflict, this documentary explores many facets of the Alamo battle. Sept. 21, 5 a.m.

Historia Secreta – Historia Secreta explores locations throughout Latin America, uncovering the hidden history in the heart of every community. Each episode is hosted by a popular personality or journalist who takes viewers on a tour of these vibrant cities and communities which include Rio de Janeiro, Caracas, Guadalajara and Bogota. Sept. 21-24, 7 p.m.

Engineering an Empire: The Maya – Explore the origins of this fascinating empire and investigate the catastrophes that caused the collapse of this path-breaking civilization. In this one-hour documentary, viewers learn about key structures from the Temple-Pyramids at Tikal, to the royal tomb at Palenque, to the star observatory at Chichen Itza. Oct. 13, 6 p.m.

Music Choice, the largest cross-platform network on TV providing audio and video services, will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 7 through Oct. 18 with a 50 percent increase of its normal Latino content in addition to its already robust program offerings on Music Choice On Demand, Music Channels and Music Choice App.

Music Choice On Demand will feature a top level Hispanic Heritage Month folder featuring single play music videos featuring the hottest Latino music videos from artists including J Balvin, Thalia, Becky G and more.

Music Choice Music Channels will feature block programming on its Musica Urbana, Tropicales and Pop Latino music channels throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. Music Choice also will feature an increased rotation of Rancheras and traditional Regional Mexican music on the Mexicana music channel to celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16.

Additionally, subscribers to Charter, Comcast and Time Warner, which carry Music Choice’s complete Latin consumer offering, will be treated to additional programming including featured artist folders that will air throughout the month from Éxitos de Maná, Romeo Santos, Larry Hernandez and J Balvin.

Apertura 2015 –Pachuca and León games are exclusively on NBC UNIVERSO starting Oct. 3. Pachuca is one of Mexico’s most successful clubs, having won five national championships and reaching the final an additional three times. León came back to the top division in 2007 and has proven to be one of the best clubs, winning back-to-back championships in 2013-2014. Both are considered the top-flight level of the Mexican soccer league and the strongest in North America. Check listings.

Rudolfo Anaya: The Magic of Words – Rudolfo Anaya was the first Hispanic American writer to achieve major publishing success with his landmark novel, Bless Me, Ultima, in print since 1972. Sept. 21, check local listings for time.

On Two Fronts: Latinos & Vietnam – The documentary examines the Latino experience during the Vietnam War from the point of view of two siblings, Everett and Delia Alvarez, who stood on opposite sides of the war, one as a POW and the other protesting at home. Sept. 22, check local listings for time.

Annual Imagen Awards – The 30th Imagen Awards recognizes and rewards positive portrayals of Latinos in all forms of media, as well as encourages and recognizes the achievements of Latino celebrities and Latino-focused projects, including programs that have aired on PBS. Oct. 2, check local listings for time.

Hispanic Heritage Awards – The 28th annual edition of the awards show will be hosted by veteran actress Rita Moreno, who also will perform. The evening includes live performances and appearances by some of the country’s most celebrated Hispanic artists. The Hispanic Heritage Awards were created by the White House in 1987. The Hispanic Heritage Awards will take place Sept. 17 at Washington D.C.’s Warner Theatre and air Oct. 9. Oct. 9, check local listings for time.

PBS Arts Fall Festival – The fifth season, hosted by Grammy Award-winning international music superstar Gloria Estefan, features two vibrant shows with a Latin flair:

Unity – the Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson –Latin-infused arrangements of iconic Jackson songs are featured in this concert special hosted by Sheila E, featuring award-winning Latin artists. Oct. 9, check local listings for time.

Great Performances: “Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin’ to Do” – Celebrated Broadway star Chita Rivera is fresh off of her recent Tony-nominated Broadway run. Nov.9, check local listings for time.

PBS Online

PBS.org features a Hispanic Heritage Month Online Collection to connect viewers to new programs premiering this fall and to the additional films and digital features that remain on the site year-round, highlighting the stories, people, history and culture of Hispanic Americans.

PBS LearningMedia, a free on-demand library for educators and students, with more than 1.6 million registered users, will feature a variety of digital resources for classroom use. The service currently offers more than 1,300 Spanish-language videos, available for anytime access, that span a wide range of subjects, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). A special video about the importance of Hispanic Heritage month will launch Sept. 2. For more information please visit www.pbslearningmedia.org.

Señora Acero 2 – Sara transforms from an ordinary housewife to become the woman who shakes up the Mexican government. Premieres Sept. 22, 9 p.m., then weeknights at 9 p.m.

Latin American Music Awards – The awards show, aired live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, honors the best of music from Latin America, the Caribbean and the world. Oct. 8, check listings for time.